Gathering

Ah,
Child
Merry,
Wreathe
Bridal wreath
In June,
Lace daisy strands
Through summer,
Chain dandelions
Stem on stem,
And wear them
Through October.
Blossom read
The yellow chins
Of those who love
Sweet butter,
Pluck petals
Of forget-me-nots,
Enclose them in a letter.
Snap dragons
To your fingers five,
And sip on honey suckle.
Kiss the friendly columbine,
Twine up the purple myrtle.
Wear rings of woven clover
Sweet,
For earrings dangle cherries,
Dine with dolls of hollyhock
On willow sap and berries.
O golden ribbons
From the sun,
O silver ribbons
Of the moon,
Go, my child
And gather, gather,
That which passes
All too soon.